I realize it’s been a couple weeks since I posted anything new. I definitely have hit a “slow down” in play lately for a variety of reasons, but I have a few good things on the horizon. I’ve got one of the final “Short Course Blitzes” in mind for this weekend. I’m planning to head out to the western edge of the Coachella Valley to check out the Hawk’s Landing grand opening and also visit a couple of 9-hole public tracks in Desert Hot Springs.

In the meantime, I have been busy as the moderator of Greenskeeper.org’s “Bracket Madness” tournament to determine that online community’s “favorite” course in Southern California through weekly member votes.

We started with 64 courses in a sub-regional format and now are down to the “Elite Eight.” La Purisima and Rustic Canyon are battling for supremacy in the North. The West is down to Industry Hills (Eisenhower) and Pelican Hill (South). The East pits PGA West (TPC Stadium) against Oak Quarry. Last but not least, it’s Torrey Pines (South) versus Journey at Pechanga in the South.

I certainly haven’t agreed with all the results so far, but that’s what makes the process fun. It’s interesting to see how the large group votes and some strong opinions (both good and bad) about some of Southern California’s most recognizable courses.

We’re planning this to be an annual event and even expanding into other regions.

To vote, you can visit the GK Bracket Madness page. You must be a member of Greenskeeper.org to participate. If you aren’t already a member, shame on you! It’s a great FREE social network with many excellent resources for golfers.